It may look like a huge concrete slab, but reserve judgement until you enter the ground. As you approach from the train station or the street you become a part of the crowds and you can feel it. This is a big event. The city stops for football.

Tickets seemed cheap to me at $17.50AUS. And once you enter you can sit anywhere in that "stand". Only season ticket holders have reserved seats and if you're sitting in one they'll politely ask you to move.

Once inside, the atmosphere builds and you realize that you are in one of those special sporting venues that only come few and far between. With nearly a hundred thousand seats the size is impressive. As is the size of the playing field, well over 200 metres long and nearly that wide. It's oval shaped.

You'll see fans with their faces painted and decked out in the colours of their team. Scarves, pompoms, flags, team songs, it's all quite colourful. Try to attend a game featuring two Melbourne teams (of which there are nine) for the best atmosphere. Fans are passionate but not violent. You'll see members of the same family wearing opposing scarves, etc.

The game is strange and will take some getting used to before you understand it. There's a lot of skill involved and the kicking in particular is very impressive. Come early so you can watch the players and referees warm up. The goal judges with their white hats and suitjackets are a riot. For a better understanding of the game check out http://www.afl.com.au

North Americans may notice that rather than hotdogs, meatpies are the snack of choice. And quite a tasty one at that. Even if you don't take to the game or like sports at all, you'll leave having felt that it was one of those local experiences worth being a part of at least once.